Voting began Wednesday and ends today. As of late Wednesday, more than 100 officers had voted.

The union asked about the candidates' positions on cost-of-living allowances, pension benefits, the take-home car program, layoffs, the department's chase policy and the mayor's role in contract negotiations.

The union also asked about the so-called step increase program, which allows officers to move one notch up the pay grade scale based on experience and performance reviews. With money tight, the city suspended step increases about a year ago. The PBA not only asked whether candidates would support the program, but also whether they would approve an extra step raise for officers who didn't get one last year.

To that and other questions, several candidates said much depends on city revenues and future discussions. In some cases, candidates said they simply couldn't answer the question yet.

Tampa police Cpl. Kert Rojka said he appreciates the candor. While he wants a mayor who will look out for law enforcement, he said he's leery of candidates who say they would give police whatever they want without considering budget realities.

There needs to be "a balance between the two," said Rojka, a 16-year veteran who declined to say who he liked for mayor.

Considering the weight the PBA's endorsement carries, it's not surprising that at least one candidate did some campaigning with officers before the PBA's polling opened. Former City Council member Bob Buckhorn, who received the endorsement of Tampa Firefighters Local No. 754 in June, has called a few officers, Stout said.

The union's leadership is not taking sides, but Stout said all the candidates seem supportive of law enforcement.

"To me, the top candidates all appear to be good for the police," Stout said. "I don't see that anybody's going to be detrimental to us at all."

The PBA plans to announce its endorsement Friday. It also will announce endorsements in City Council races, where it is making endorsements in the traditional way.

Richard Danielson can be reached at Danielson@sptimes.com or (813) 226-3403.

.Fast Facts

Questioning the candidates

With money tight, candidates for mayor are limited in what they can promise the Tampa police officers' union. Here's a look at some questions posed by the Tampa PBA and a few of the candidates' answers. To read more of the candidates' responses, go to tampapba.com.

Would you approve a cost-of-living allowance — something the union says police have not seen in their last two contracts — in the contract for the 2011-12 fiscal year?

Ed Turanchik: "I am concerned the city of Tampa will continue to face falling revenues over the next two years, with revenues hopefully stabilizing in year three. I do not favor cost-of-living adjustments so long as revenues are falling or flat."

Thomas Scott: "Public safety will be a high priority of my administration. I look forward to working together with your bargaining unit to review the city's fiscal condition before coming to a conclusion on whether or not a (cost-of-living allowance) is an affordable benefit."

Would you suspend or eliminate the step raise plan?

Dick Greco: "A 'yes' or 'no' answer cannot be made until we know what the city revenues will be. I can assure you that no decision will be made by me as mayor without first fully consulting the PBA and our TPD personnel."

Would you approve an extra step for officers who have had their step suspended?

Rose Ferlita: "I cannot answer this question at this time until I am able to research the issue further with the Chief of Police."